TC 93250 V4 Review

[tc670207]

 

This is the 4th version of TC 93250 bracelet. It's predecessor was TC 93250 V3.

 

TC 93250 V4 is made by a different bracelet maker. The V3 bracelet maker refuses to make improvements on the V3 clasp coronet or place engravings in the SEL trench. To me, the V3 bracelet served as a good quality stainless steel bracelet. However, the coronet on the V3 clasp is the Achilles' heel because it is not as protruding as V2 clasp, which representing gen oyster clasps from 2002 to 2007, or is not as slim and crisp as gen oyster clasps from 2008 to 2010.

 

Earlier this year I promised Janeto72 to persuade the V3 bracelet maker to make Janeto/TC 93253 bracelet for the two tone Submariner 16613. With the V3 maker reluctant to make further improvements, I had to seek alternative options/makers because making two tone bracelet requires even more accurate tooling and machining. Another reason being the V3 maker was reluctant to make any more counterfeit watch bracelets. I will try to debrief the atmosphere in China some time later. Let's just stick to the topic for now.

 

Sifu L hooked me up with a reputable bracelet maker in Thailand. He vouched for me that I'm not some undercover agent from FHS (Federation de l'industrie horologere Suisse). Then the project 93250 V4 went on.

 

 

TC 93250 V4 bracelet maker gave me a tour of his factory before I placed the order. I was quite satisfied with what I saw - a clean, organized manufacturing facility with seemingly civilized, Westernized administration, which translates to easier communication.

 

 

 

 

Before my review, I want you to know the batch I received has some variance issues. Here's SSTEEL's review: My Interim Review of Ordering/Purchasing TC's Type II LV Sub.

 

Here's the problem reported from HeuerTag and pbwatch on RG: Pictures: TC 93250 V4 bracelet.

 

 

After reading the reported problems, I spent the whole weekend unpacking every piece of TC 93250 V4 I received and inspect each one of them. I did find variances and some I would categorize as defective units even by rep standard. To make sure TC 93250 V4 has the best fit with TC Sub case, I have to hand pick and match the bracelet to the case. Therefore I will no longer pass TC 93250 V4 to members as a stand alone part.

 

SSTEEL reported TC 93250 V4 safety clasp edge being a little sharp. It is true. I checked my gen safety clasp and I confirm it is a gen feature. See how gen edge is polished to the point it begins to turn just mirror finish. Same with TC 93250 V4 safety clasp. If you are already accustomed to the modern super cased Submariner 116610 all rounded edges, just a tad sharp at the safety clasp is how classic Submariner 16610 really feels like. If you don't like it, the edge can be dull out by a nail file.

 

 

Take away the variance issues, TC 93250 V4 bracelet is probably by far the best stainless steel Submariner bracelet I ever found. The V4 SEL has the same good fit to TC Sub watch case as V3 did. TC LV Sub to the left, Gen 16610 Sub to the right.

 

 

 

 

 

The bracelet edges are gen finish.

 

 

 

TC 93250 V4 clasp coronet against gen.

 

 

Gen to the left, TC 93250 V4 at the center left, TC 93250 V3 center right, TC 93250 V2 to the right.

 

 

While my pursuit is after the perfect sub, we have to remember that we are also paying 1/15th of the price compare to a gen. With this said, I will have to strive a balance and pick and choose which I will have to sacrifice with my limited resource.

 

This is my logic of evaluation. Since my goal is the aesthetics of looking and feeling like a gen, the improved coronet is a big step forward in the right direction. The SEL trench etching is an added bonus but when push comes to the shelf, the etching I can do without since no one will see. Over all, the improved coronet on the V4 clasp along with the etched 93250 are the winning points for me. In the end of the day, TC 93250 V4 represents the original 93250 finish better than any of its predecessors.

 

TC

 

8/14/13

 

[Erict719]

Very good upgrade tc!!! Thanks for the hard work and share

[Mapman57]

Awesome achievement T - congratulations on your latest v4 ensemble.

Please take a few minutes to read my own detailed review a few posts below on this page :-) v3 v v4 v OEM PJ10 bracelet.

Feel free to post it to your blog if you wish and thanks again for the great progress made this past year!

Hope the LV /LN insert project is still alive!

[ceocorona]

Thanks for taking the time to share.  You've really changed the rep hobby for everyone.

[CptTripps]

The fact that you care this deeply about it speaks volumes to your reputation as "he who makes the best sub".

Keep at it...but I think you're hitting the wall on the "law of diminishing returns".